45+ Famous Marathi Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings

They belong to the brave warrior group known as the Marathas and are very proud of their cultural background.

Did you know that many Marathi last names end with the suffix ‘kar’? This suffix typically indicates the village where the person is from. For instance, famous personalities from Maharashtra like Sachin Tendulkar, Bhimrao Ambedkar, and Lata Mangeshkar all have this suffix in their names.

Certain last names can actually reveal information about family traditions or occupations from ancestors. If you’re interested in learning more about Marathi last names and their meanings, take a look at our compiled list of ‘Famous Marathi Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings’.

Famous Marathi Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings

Aadekar/Ahale

This last name in Marathi means someone who builds buildings. It likely came from individuals who worked on constructing houses or buildings in general.

Ambedkar

This Marathi surname comes from the last name ‘Ambavadekar,’ which signifies someone from Ambavade village in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra.

Bapat

This Marathi surname most likely refers to the male figures who acted as leaders or parental figures in a village. It likely started with individuals or a group who held positions of authority in the community.

Bhede

In Marathi, this surname originally referred to someone who divides or discriminates. It could have started as a nickname and eventually became a family name.

Chandekar

Chandekar is a Marathi surname that means the person owns or is from an area with silver mines. This surname was probably used by people who either owned or worked in silver mines as their surname.

Chaatre

The last name comes from the Marathi word ‘chatri,’ which means ‘umbrella.’ It is believed that people with this last name were once umbrella makers.

Chitre

Chitre is a last name that is associated with the occupation of making drawings or being an artist.

In Marathi, the word ‘Deo’ means ‘God.’ This surname is also commonly used as a suffix in many other Marathi surnames.

Deshmukh

Leader of the state or leader of the region’ is the meaning of this Marathi surname. It probably described a person who held authority as the leader of a district or region.

Deshpande

This Marathi surname refers to the person in charge of finances for a specific area or location. The last name was often given to someone seen as knowledgeable and wise.

Divekar

This last name is for someone who used to own a factory that made lamps.

Gaitonde

This Marathi surname refers to someone whose face resembles that of a cow. It was possibly first used as a nickname before becoming a last name.

Gaonkar

This Marathi surname was used to describe someone or a group of people who moved away from a village or villages.

Gavaskar

This surname is used to describe someone who comes from the Gavaswadi village in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.

Gawali

In Marathi, Gawali means ‘milkman.’ It is a last name for someone who collects and delivers milk.

Holkar

Holkar is a last name that originates from a village in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It can also be associated with individuals who are descendants of the Holkar dynasty, named after the same village.

Kamat

In Marathi, the surname ‘Kamat’ means someone who is constantly working hard. This term was probably used to describe a diligent individual.

Kamble

In Marathi, this surname refers to a type of covering. It’s probably a surname for someone who makes or sells blankets.

Kapse

This Marathi surname originates from the Marathi term ‘Kapus,’ which translates to ‘cotton.’ This last name probably identified individuals who were employed in or owned cotton factories.

Kharche

This Marathi surname is used to describe someone who liked to spend a lot of money.

Khare

In Marathi, this surname means ‘true,’ ‘sincere,’ or ‘pure.’

Kolhe

It’s the Marathi term for ‘fox.’ Similar to Gaitonde, this Marathi last name might have originally started as a nickname.

Kulkarni

This Marathi surname is used to describe a person who controlled accounts or managed finances for a village or kingdom. This Marathi last name was originally a title that later become a surname.

Landage

This Marathi surname comes from the Marathi word ‘landaga’ meaning ‘wolf’. Just like other Marathi surnames based on animals, this Marathi surname might have originally started as a nickname.

Lokhande

This Marathi surname means someone tough and strong, like iron. It may have originally described someone sturdy and physically fit. Another meaning of this Marathi surname could be someone who works as a blacksmith or deals with iron materials.

Maali

It is the Marathi surname for ‘gardener’, making it a surname related to a profession.

Matkari

This Marathi surname refers to someone who makes or trades pots.

Manjrekar or Manjarekar

The origin of this surname comes from the Marathi word ‘Manjar,’ which translates to cat. This Marathi last name signifies being from a place known for cats or someone who is fond of cats.

Mangeshkar

This Marathi surnamce is used to describe a person from Mangeshi village in Goa. The singer Lata Mangeshkar is likely the most well-known person with this last name.

Mhalsalkar

This Marathi surnamce describes a person who is from a location in Maharashtra called Mhalsa.

Mukadam

It is a Marathi last name that can mean someone who oversees a project or manages a team of workers. It is often used to describe a contractor or supervisor in a job setting.

Naik

The origin of this Marathi surname is probably from the Marathi term ‘nayak,’ which refers to a leader or commander.

Nene

In Marathi, this surname means ‘take away’ or ‘carry away’. It’s unclear how the word evolved into a surname, but it might have started as a nickname for someone.

Patil

This Marathi surname comes from the Marathi language and means a leader or someone in charge.

Pokharkar

The origin of this Marathi surname ‘Pokharkar’ comes from the word ‘pokhar,’ which means pond. This Marathi surname likely indicates that the person comes from a location near a pond.

Pujari

Pujari is a Marathi surname that means ‘priest.’ This makes it a surname related to a person’s occupation.

Raaje

This Marathi surname refers to a person who is from a family with a high social status, such as royal, imperial, or aristocratic.

Ratnaparakhi

This Marathi surname means someone who evaluates gems. It is a last name given to those who work as jewelers.

Sahasrabuddhe

This Marathi surname signifies a person who is exceptionally intelligent compared to others. Originally, it may have been used to describe someone who is educated and well-informed.

Shahane

This Marathi surname described someone who is educated and knowledgeable.

Shirke

This Marathi surname refers to a person who is from or around a place called Shirkoli in Maharashtra.

Shiwde/Shimpi

This Marathi surname refers to a person who sews clothes or works as a tailor.

Sonar

This Marathi last name is related to someone who works with gold.

Tendulkar

Someone from Tendul village’ means a person who is from that particular village. The famous cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is known to have that surname.

Tipnis

In Marathi, the surname ‘Tipnis’ refers to a stenographer.

Vedpathak

A common Indian surname typically associated with individuals of the Hindu religion who are part of the Vedpath community. In Marathi, the surname signifies ‘a person who has deeply studied the vedas’ or ‘someone who reads or recites the Vedas.’ Vedas are a compilation of sacred scriptures.

Vichaare

This Marathi surnamce means a person who is constantly thinking and sharing their thoughts. This term may have originally been an insult that turned into a last name.

Wagh/Veerkar

In Marathi, the surname ‘Wagh’ means ‘tiger’ while ‘Veerkar’ translates to ‘someone brave.’ Both last names signify courage and fearlessness.

Waghdhare

This Marathi surname translates to ‘tiger catcher’ and is a last name based on one’s job.

Waghmare

This Marathi surname refers to someone who is tiger killer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Marathi last names indicate someone’s caste?

Yes, the Maratha caste is composed of various Marathi clans who are grouped based on their occupation or where they come from. The last names of individuals from Maharashtra indicate which caste or clan they belong to.

2. Do Marathi last names depend on gender?

In Maharashtra, last names are derived from either a person’s occupation or the area they are from, not their gender.

3. What do Marathi surnames signify?

Marathi last names are important because they can show a person’s social background like their caste, community, or where their ancestors come from. These surnames are a key part of Marathi culture and history, adding to the variety and depth of the region’s social makeup.

4. How are last names in the Marathi language set up?

Marathi last names usually start with the person’s first name, followed by the family or clan name, which can show their ancestors or caste. Also, endings like -kar, -e, -ekar, -ikar, or -ankar are often added to indicate the family’s occupation or where they are from.

5. What makes Marathi last names unique compared to last names in other Indian languages?

Marathi last names are different from last names in other Indian languages because they are influenced by the language and culture of Maharashtra. These last names often show a person’s caste, community, or region. They usually have suffixes that indicate a person’s profession or family background, making them stand out from last names in other parts of India.

6. How are last names in the Marathi community passed on from one generation to the next?

In Marathi culture, last names are usually given from father to son to keep the family name going. Marathi women usually take on their husband’s last name when they get married, instead of keeping their maiden name.

Marathi last names are easy to recognize because they sound different. These last names are connected to their family history and jobs. The last name stays in the family for a long time, so you can tell where they are from. By knowing common and special Marathi last names, you can learn about their heritage and history.